European summit in Dublin: Ukraine talks: Merz sees E3 in the driver's seat
Who should be the voice of Europe in Ukraine talks? This question has long been disputed within the EU. However, it will probably have to be answered very soon.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany, France, and the UK, known as the E3, should continue to be involved in Ukraine-Russia talks, with possible additions of Italy and Poland. This comes as Ukraine and Russia have resumed direct talks, mediated by the US, for the first time in months. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to push for European involvement in future peace talks.
Merz emphasized that the key is for Russia to be willing to engage in talks, and that the details of European representation can be worked out later. He also called for all EU states to contribute to a 45 billion euro fund to support Ukraine next year, with some countries already announcing they will not participate.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
